Skip to main content
  • Calendar
  • Directory
  • Index
  • Map
  • myWestern
Refine search
  • Freedom of Expression & Assembly
    • Western’s Values in Responding to Campus Protests
  • Relevant Policies, Rules & Laws
    • Relevent Bellingham Municipal Codes
    • Relevant State Laws
  • Resources & FAQs
  • About Time, Place, & Manner
Western Washington University

Regarding Public Expression and Assembly

Freedom of Expression & Assembly

Freedom of Expression & Assembly

Western Washington University is committed to academic freedom, freedom of speech, petition and assembly. These are fundamental to the democratic process. They are also fundamental to the academic process.

Western makes clear that these freedoms are to be exercised in a manner that protects the rights of all members of the campus community.

The following principles provide the foundation for expression at Western Washington University:

  • Freedom of speech (also called freedom of expression) is a fundamental right guaranteed by the U.S. and Washington State constitutions.
  • The values and behavior of the campus community with respect to expression are informed not only by the law, but by a shared responsibility and commitment to treating each other with respect, civility, and empathy, including when discussing or debating controversial topics.
  • Freedom of speech at Western does not extend to specific threats of violence against individuals, including targeted stalking, defamation or harassment that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is exercised in ways that significantly disrupt the operations of the University or the legal rights of others. 1
  • The University may reasonably regulate the time, place and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the University’s activities or the legal rights of others.
  • While the University will not suppress constitutionally protected speech, it may choose to make its own statements or invite different viewpoints when facing speech that runs counter to Western’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity.

It is vital in a university community to balance freedom of expression with respect for the rights of others. It is the responsibility of us all – faculty, staff, students, administrators, and visitors and guests to our campus – to ensure that freedom of expression and assembly are conducted in an atmosphere that promotes intellectual discussion.

Click here to read more from President Randhawa’s blog post entitled “On Free Expression and Western’s Values.”

1 Free speech law is highly context-specific and complex.  WWU employees with legal questions about how free speech applies to particular scenarios should contact the WWU Office of the Washington State Attorney General at (360) 650-3117.  WWU students with questions should contact the Office of Student Life at (360) 650-3706.
American flag waving

The U.S. Bill of Rights: Amendment I

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Washington State Declaration of Rights

Article 1, Section 5 - Freedom of Speech "Every person may freely speak, write and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right."

Western Washington University

516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 650-3000

Contact Western

  • Western Facebook
  • Western Instagram
  • Western Flickr
  • Western Youtube
  • Western Today RSS

Accessibility | Privacy

Active Minds Changing Lives